The Beautiful Mystery

"An interesting weaving of obscure history with fictitious characters and events. It creates an engaging murder mystery that is not overly graphic or morbid, and holds a surprising depth"

"It was ok:) and I listened to some Gregorian chants and they were beautiful!<br/>I will try another Penny book at some point"

"I feel like I should clarify that this book only got a 4 from me because I am SO MAD at that ending. Anyone who knows my feelings on a certain character will fully understand why I am so upset. It was still a beautifully well written novel with all of Armand Gamache’s signature compassion on full display. I felt that the monastery was a particularly interesting setting, especially since so many of this series is set in Three Pines. I actually didn’t miss the “usual suspects” that typically appear, but as they say, distance makes the heart grow fonder. It also helps that I know they appear in the next one, so I’ll get to hear Ruth’s profanity-laden ranting on our next road trip. I really liked the history in this (in part because I myself am Catholic), and it was spectacularly well researched, per usual. I want to jump into the next one if only to get some resolution, but I probably need some time to process everything!"

"I love all of Louise Penny’s books."

"It is a mystery with a lovely story "

"I loved the mystery storyline with the monks. Very creative and unusual and, as is always the case with Louise Penny, the characters are drawn extremely well and very believably. I could've kept reading that storyline for a lot longer, I was so drawn in. I was actually somewhat sad when I finished the book, knowing I probably wouldn't be back at the monastery again since I'm sure we'll end up heading back to Three Pines. I want both the monastery and the village! I can't say much more about what I particularly enjoyed about this book without spoilers, unfortunately. Just know that I highly, highly recommend anything by Louise Penny, but particularly this book. And that's saying a lot, given how much I enjoyed the last one. They do just keep getting better!<br/><br/>Unfortunately, I have to be honest and say that the subplot, part of the ongoing story arch about internal politics of the Surete, is starting to wear a little thin with me. I know politics and sabotage and such do happen, but certain characters are becoming caricatures. I hope that subplot moves along to some sort of resolution and isn't simply replaced with yet another layer of internal intrigue. I love the main characters, love the mystery plots in each novel, love Penny's writing. I'm not sure I feel the need for the other story that's running through the novels. Perhaps the next novel will bring some unexpected twist in that plot which will engage me in it again. But for this novel, I kept feeling like that part of the book was a distraction for me from the story that I was thoroughly enjoying.<br/><br/>If it weren't for the subplot, I'd have given this five stars--or more, if that were allowed. But even with the internal intrigue, Penny is still my favorite mystery writer and I will continue to pre-purchase her books so they show up on my Kindle like magic the day they're released!"

"I love Gamache and 3 Pines - great mystery series!"